Fibre-East 2014 and some visiting of sheep

Okay, I’ve had to change computers and software and my entire working process. I think I’ve got the necessary tools in place now—just in time to catch up with some of the trip that is current. I’ll get back to the previous sequence later.

There will be more photos than text (I hope) in order to have a chance of staying current, more or less. Apologies in advance for possible fuzziness in the photos. I think I need to tweak some export settings on the software, but first I need to figure out where and how to do that.

So: Here are some images from the lead-up to Fibre-East and the event. I don’t have many. I was sorting wools and teaching, not taking photos.

While we were getting over jet lag (or, rather, almost as soon as our feet touched the ground) we went off with Michael Churchouse to see sheep. Michael does the Sheer Sheep Experience and presents terrific and entertaining educational programs on sheep and wool. But we got the private tour of part of his flock. It’s eclectic.

Sarah Anderson and I piled into Michael’s truck, along with Lady, Dell, and Kep. Lady (Michael on the phone). . . .

All three, featuring Dell. . . .

Kep. . . .

Front passenger seat (wool compresses):

Sarah was in back. There was far less wool and much more dog.

A few of Michael’s sheep, begging for biscuits. . . .

Abby Franquemont (also teaching at Fibre-East) and Janet Ellison (organizer of Fibre-East) were scheduled to meet us, but, to the dogs’ delight, were delayed. Sarah and I scrounged for sticks. Kep chased sticks, Lady chased Kep, and Dell rested under the trailer in the shade.

After Abby arrived, we got to visit all the sheep again. Hebridean, Manx Loaghtan, Portland, Lonk, Shetland, Wensleydale, Saxon Merino, Whitefaced Woodland, Herdwick, mules, Lincoln. . . .

This is Sarah Anderson, Abby Franquemont, and me, in close proximity to a lot of wool and sheep.

Michael is growing for wool, and presents his traveling show on British wools at many events, including Fibre-East.

This is his stage.

This is backstage (the “green room”).

He does an inspiring job. 

And there are no photos of my workshops at Fibre-East because time flew past. All wools were sourced and washed locally (many from Michael’s flock). I never even set foot in the market (and I really needed a bit of yarn for some “brainless” travel knitting).

And despite that lack (there was terrific wool there in the market, and I didn’t even have an opportunity to look at it), I had a great time.

We had about 26 breeds’ wool in the workshops. I’d normally cover about 18 to 20 in the same number of workshop hours (a two-day wool types workshop and a one-day rare wools workshop). We were trucking!

And then I went north to Yorkshire for more woolly experiences.

Comments

[Devin Helmen]

Deb, Fibre East and your visit to England looks "Wooltastic"! 26 breeds? Goodness, that sounds amazing. What an opportunity!

[Meg Mahoney]

Good to have news! So glad you're seeing some sheep, wool & dogs! As well as folks... carry on!

[Heather - Nearlythere.com]

So nice to see all the hard work that went into organizing materials for the workshop. I have many pics from your 2 day workshop. I will get them processed and into a format you can use.

I do intend to write about what I learned in the workshop. I'm still practicing the basics of combing. Thanks so much for your persistence and patience ;)

I have just written about washing fleece. Wasn't at all hard as i thought, and your guide was super helpful.

[Rachel Berry]

It was great to meet you all at Fibre East and get you to sign my book! I only wish I had got someone to get a picture of me with you! I wish I could have taken your class too. Glad you had a great time in the UK and that the weather was kind if only for part of your stay.